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Joey Antipas

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn FC coach Joey Antipas heaved a sigh of relief yesterday following the return of five key players from injury ahead of Saturday’s Premiership derby against How Mine at Luveve Stadium, Bulawayo.

The Gamecocks’ gaffer was fretting over injuries to captain Danny “Deco” Phiri, Edmore Chirambadare, Raphael Kutinyu, Passmore Bernard and Lawrence Mhlanga.

Save for Mhlanga who got injured on national duty in Cameroon during the Young Warriors’ second leg of the African Games qualifier, the quartet of Phiri, Chirambadare, Kutinyu and Bernard picked up injuries in Chicken Inn’s 3-1 away win over FC Platinum.

Antipas said Chirambadare has overcome a groin injury while Kutinyu, Mhlanga, Bernard and Phiri had pulled muscles.

“You know I feel relieved because these guys are a vital cog in our team and we were going to feel their absence against How Mine. They’ve started light training and they look good after being given an all clear by the doctors. Hopefully by the end of the week we will still be having a clean bill of health,” he said.

Chirambadare is Chicken Inn’s off-season signing — acquired from Tsholotsho FC — and has been quick to repay the Gamecocks’ faith by scoring three goals in five outings.

His knack for scoring and creating goals for his team has seen Chicken Inn putting a strong title challenge five weeks into the season.

The Gamecocks are third on the Premiership standings with 12 points, one behind leaders Triangle United and Dynamos.

Luveve Stadium seems to be Chirambadare’s favourite hunting ground. He marked his Premiership arrival by scoring the first 2015 season goal for Chicken Inn in their 2-1 win over Flame Lily. In that game Chirambadare went on to create the second goal scored by Mitchell Katsvairo.

The left-footed striker then got a brace in Week Four in their 2-0 win over Whawha.

Last season Chirambadare scored 13 goals for the first rural Premiership team in independent Zimbabwe to become the Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League’s top goal scorer.

The talented 23-year-old forward is one of the key players expected to carry the day for the Gamecocks.

The return of Mhlanga and Bernard eases defensive worries for Antipas while Phiri, playing in front of the defenders will provide cover as well as keep the midfield in shape.

Antipas is aware of the danger posed by How Mine who will be seeking their first win of the season at Luveve Stadium.

The miners are fourth on the table, with nine points – three behind Chicken Inn – and have the same goal difference meaning that should they beat the Gamecocks, they will topple them from third position.

“Derbies are always tricky and it all boils down to players’ mental strength. It will be a tricky game because How Mine are a good side. We’ll prepare in a manner we believe will aid our cause of collecting maximum points,” Antipas said.

Fixtures

Saturday: Chicken Inn v How Mine (Luveve), Harare City v Dynamos (Rufaro), Flame Lily v Triangle United (Lafarge), Whawha v FC Platinum (Ascot)

Sunday: Caps United v ZPC Kariba (National Sports Stadium), Dongo Sawmill v Highlanders (Vengere), Chapungu v Hwange (Ascot), Tsholotsho v Buffaloes (Luveve).